On the cold, wintry day of the first of August, I am walking on the old Navy Base that is located in Alameda, California. The reason I am here is to attend the Antique Flea Market that is held every first Sunday of every month. The items are "guaranteed" to be at least 20 years old. That sign amused me because 1/2 my clothes qualify as antique. Who knew? This was the beginning of the long walk to get in. The parking lot was extensive and full of cars. We were in the back of the lot. It was cold and my niece was bundled up and I had a wool sweater.I had a lot of fun looking at everything. The flea market was HUGE. I didn't count but there was probably about 40 rows and each row was about 2 city blocks long. We saw every booth and commented on many items.
For me, this was the most interesting booth and still I did not purchase much at the market.
I did enjoy the antique buttons. There was a card with seven very lovely glass buttons. The seller wanted $ 18.00 and since I like to wash clothes in the machine, it wouldn't work for me. They were very lovely but very delicate. I have used glass buttons before and just sewing it on the blouse, I broke one by pulling the thread to tight.
Here we are at the end of a hard, hard day checking out all the stalls. The sun did finally come out and I had to wear this hat to ward off the rays.
We had a wonderful time and I figured that we walked about 4-5 miles and my feet vibrated in the middle of the night complaining with fatigue.What fun we had!
8 comments:
What fun! I was born in Alameda and learned to drive on the navy base because is was huge and not so much traffic.
So what did you buy? Did Patrice find something wonderful? It can be overwhelming with so many booths...did they have food? The two of you look wonderful and not tired at all?!
wow...what a huge event! I'd have loved to have seen the button booth...it looked like there were some fabulous larger buttons...
I want to see some of your "antique" clothes!
My calves are still quaking.
Who's the handsome guy walking in your first photo?
I was sad to miss the August flea market - maybe Sept. I try to go a couple times each year - fabulous fun. Funny weather - eh?
I have been waiting for these photos!! I knew you were to embark on this trip to Alameda. Funny thing, I am in LA where you live and you are in my stomping ground of the bay area. Sometime we should meet in the middle. I know how cold and gloomy it can be out there, and then when the sun comes out one can swelter in the heat. It is all about layering. Hope you had fun even though you did not buy much. (I have a lot of "antique" clothing too!)
I forgot to mention, I love the photo of you two in your hats and warm clothing. You actually look like you go every first Sunday...you look like seasoned buyers, pros!
My head is swimming imagining the scale of this sale. I would have loved to been along with you, oooohing and ahhhhing over those treasures. Thanks for sharing pics from your adventure. If I ever get to Alameda, I will want to go to this.
That's my favorite flea market. We go every month and I recognize all the stalls you showed, especially the button vendor. I own lots of her buttons now.
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